Tranmere Rovers began their season with a narrow defeat at home to Barrow.
Rovers started the game on the front foot and almost carved out an early chance when Paul Lewis cushioned a header down for Harvey Saunders in the box but the visitors got in to clear.
Barrow had the first effort of the game nas George Ray nodded a cross towards goal but it was well dealt with by Luke McGee.
Tranmere responded as Josh Hawkes drove down the left before unleashing an effort at goal but it was stopped by Paul Farman in the Barrow net.
Barrow then worked the ball into the Rovers box and there was a slightly nervous moment as it deflected backwards off a Tranmere chest, but McGee was never in doubt and duly caught.
The visitors broke through on 19 minutes when Niall Canavan deflected a shot past McGee and into the bottom corner.
Rovers had the chance to equalise after a mistake at the back from the visitors sent Hawkes through on the keeper, but Farman got out well to close the winger down.
Tranmere had another chance when Lewis was fouled just outside the box on the half-hour mark. Regan Hendry sent it in and Connor Jennings latched onto it, but his effort was wide.
The game heated up towards half time with bookings for Lee O’Connor and Dean Campbell in quick succession, but Rovers eventually went into the break a goal down.
Rovers won a couple of free-kicks in forward positions early in the second period, but Barrow stood firm.
The whites won a penalty on 63 minutes when Harvey Saunders was fouled in the box, and Josh Hawkes up stepped up to slot the ball into the bottom corner and level the scores.
Rovers almost had a second shortly after but half-time substitute Kieron Morris’ shot was blocked.
Barrow went ahead again against the run of play on 70 minutes when Kian Spence smashed the ball into the top of McGee’s net.
Luke Norris and Kristian Dennis both came on to make their respective Rovers debuts as Tranmere continued to push for an equaliser.
Despite a late onslaught from Rovers, Barrow ultimately took the points.
Tranmere Rovers: Luke McGee, Lee O’Connor, Tom Davies (C), Jordan Turnbull, Jake Leake, Brad Wallker, Paul Lewis, Regan Hendry, Josh Hawkes, Connor Jennings, Harvey Saunders.
Subs: Kieron Morris, Luke Norris, Joe Murphy, Kristian Dennis, Sam Taylor, Joe Yarney, Reece McAlear.
Barrow: Farman, Campbell, Ray, Canavan (C), Worrall, Spence, Garner, Newby, White, Acquah, Feely.
Subs: Lillis, Warren, Tiensia, Foley, Gotts, Etaluku, Duffus.